The Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) was created over 75 years ago to provide policy direction on water issues. The CWCB is Colorado’s most comprehensive water information resource. The agency maintains expertise in a broad range of programs and provides technical assistance to further the utilization of Colorado’s waters.

CWCB Mission Statement

To Conserve, Develop, Protect and Manage Colorado’s Water for Present and Future Generations

Governed by a 15-member Board, the CWCB’s responsibilities range from protecting Colorado’s streams and lakes to water conservation, flood mitigation, watershed protection, stream restoration, drought planning, water supply planning and water project financing. The CWCB also works to protect the state’s water apportionments in collaboration with other western states and federal agencies.

Each CWCB program is directed by the agency’s Strategic Framework, as well as through Statutory Authorities and Responsibilities. Reviewed annually by the Board, the Strategic Plan also contains a Board Member Work Plan, which guides the Board’s actions and helps implement the authorities and objectives of the CWCB.

Funding and Budget
The CWCB is almost fully self-funded. The agency does not receive any money from the General Fund. The majority of funding appropriations for the CWCB comes from the CWCB Construction Fund (referred to as “Cash Funds”).

CWCB Sections
With more than 40 staff members, the CWCB functions under six major program areas:

The CWCB and the Interbasin Compact Committee The CWCB supports the implementation of the Colorado Water for the 21st Century Act, which created the Interbasin Compact Committee (IBCC), with financial, technical and staff support. The CWCB ensures the proper coordination of CWCB information, policies and resources for each of the Basin Roundtables.